Student Achievement Through Language Acquisition (SALA)
The primary focus of the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition is to assist schools and districts with Florida's English Language Learners (ELLs), totaling over 300,000. Florida's diversity of ELLs surpasses most states in the country. Florida is ranked 3rd in ELL population, and although Spanish is the major native language of these students, the ELLs speak more than 243 different languages.
The Bureau is also responsible for ensuring that these students receive comprehensible instruction by monitoring schools and districts for compliance with state and federal rules, regulations, the 1990 League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) et al. v. the State Board of Education (SBE) Consent Decree, and the 2003 Modification of the Consent Decree.
In addition, the Bureau manages a Title III grant, currently more than $43 million, which is dispersed to eligible districts. This federal funding focuses on providing supplemental professional development to teachers of ELLs, and on providing scientifically research-based academic programs to assist ELL academic achievement and English language acquisition.
Another focus of the Bureau is the management of World Languages. It is the Bureau's responsibility to offer leadership, coordination, and technical assistance for the implementation of legislation and State Board of Education policy and rule, as well as Department initiatives pertaining to curriculum and instruction for Florida students and teachers.
2025 Florida Teaching Standards for ESOL Endorsement (Draft)
Overview:
The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) is currently updating the Florida Teacher Standards for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement, as specified under Rule 6A-4.02451, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). By revising the current 2010 standards, FDOE aims to enhance the existing framework to contribute directly to school improvement efforts, ensuring all educators are equipped to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs).
As part of the rule development process, we are seeking public input on the proposed draft standards. The public comment period will be open from May 13, 2025, until May 27, 2025. We encourage all stakeholders in Florida to review the draft standards and provide specific feedback.
How to Submit Your Comments:
- Review the Draft Standards:
- Provide Specific Feedback:
- When submitting your comment, please be as specific as possible. Identify the Strand, Standard, and Performance Indicator you are commenting on to ensure that your feedback is clearly understood. Include the reason for your suggestion or comment.
- Submit Your Comment:
- You can submit comments via email to SALA@fldoe.org.
District Contacts
To request current district Contacts plans, please contact the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition (SALA) at SALA@fldoe.org.
District ELL Plans
To request current district ELL plans, please contact the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition (SALA) at SALA@fldoe.org.
Meetings and Events
For more information on Meetings and Events, please contact the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition (SALA) at SALA@fldoe.org.
Contact:
325 West Gaines Street
Room 1324 Turlington
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
Phone: 850-245-0417
Fax: 850-245-0846
Parent Hot Line: 800-206-8956
SALA@fldoe.org